New Research Shows U.S. Government Knowingly Exposed Naval Veterans to Asbestos Risk

Posted By
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm

An alarming new
study conducted by the scientific consulting firm ChemRisk found that the U.S.
Navy knew of the dangerous effects of asbestos, yet continued to require
extensive use of the toxic material in naval steamships, shipyards, boiler
rooms, and engine rooms throughout most of the 20th century. This research
may help to explain why nearly one-third of all mesothelioma victims are veterans.

The latest report details the significant role that asbestos played in
during World War II and the relative economic importance that it continued
to hold for decades. Our
mesothelioma attorneys understand that asbestos was extremely popular for its heat and fire resistant
properties, which were critical during wartime and as the military rapidly
expanded. By using asbestos materials, naval veterans were able to rapidly
and efficiently build ships at minimal cost. Dangerously high levels of
asbestos dust could be found on every naval ship, from pipes, pumps, boilers,
and valves to motors, gaskets, cement, and block. Veterans and civilian
employees were likely exposed to massive amounts of asbestos while performing
a number of tasks, including pipefitting, welding and insulating.

According to the study, cases of asbestos-related lung cancer were diagnosed
as early as 1907. In 1935, a textbook expressly documented a causal connection
between significant exposure to asbestos fibers and asbestosis, and this
connection was further validated by research studies performed by private
and government scientists.

However, in spite of known asbestos health hazards, the Navy continued
to require use of toxic asbestos materials both on the inside and the
outside of its ships. This is particularly troubling given the structural
aspects of naval ships, which make them a breeding ground for contamination.
Small spaces combined with a lack of adequate ventilation create a dangerous
place for loose asbestos dust to gather. Pipes, pumps, turbines, and various
types of auxiliary machinery covering naval ships contained massive amounts
of asbestos, resulting in a serious occupational health hazard. Not only
were thousands of naval workers and machinists exposed to the asbestos
fibers firsthand, but their family members and loved ones may have been
exposed as well. Toxic asbestos fibers may remain on skin or clothing
and lead to secondhand exposure, causing the same negative health effects.

Reports indicate that the Navy attempted to implement safety procedures
that would minimize the dangers of asbestos exposure, but their efforts
were insufficient to protect Navy veterans from asbestos-related diseases
such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. In fact, because mesothelioma can
lie dormant in the body for decades, many veterans may not yet be aware
that they are suffering from an asbestos-related illness.

The medical community has made some advances in recent years to help victims
of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. Chemotherapy, targeted radiation
and new surgical techniques may help to alleviate some of the debilitating
symptoms, but they are not able to cure mesothelioma, and the prognosis
is generally very poor once the disease is finally detected.

Our
mesothelioma lawyers have experience working with naval veterans and other victims suffering
from an asbestos-related disease. We have extensive knowledge of the legal
remedies available for individuals and their loved ones who have been
diagnosed with mesothelioma. Asbestos is a known occupational health hazard
and the latest reports indicate that the Navy was one of the most knowledgeable
industries with respect to the dangers posed by toxic asbestos dust. Unfortunately,
the Navy knowingly exposed veterans to the dangerous material and many
of our dedicated service members are still suffering the consequences.
Due to the government’s negligence for failing to provide workers
with adequate safety information, compensation may be available for asbestos
victims and their families to help cover the cost of asbestos-related
medical bills.

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